Shower curtain



April 21, 1942. GAMES 2,280,697

SHOWER CURTAIN Filed Nov. 26, 1940 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Fiql A 12/ f, ;g-, "M 240?.

Nathaniel Gaines INV NTOR ATTORNEY April 21, 1942. N GAINES 2,280,697

SHOWER. CURTAIN Fil ed Nov. 26, 1940 2 sheets sheet 2 Nathaniel Gaines INVNOR BY I ATTORNEY v Patented Apr. 21, 1942 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE snowEn cunmm Nathaniel Gaines, South orange, N. .1. Application November 26, 1940, Serial No. 367,197

9 Claims.

and easy attachment to or detachment from the,

curtain rod, and sliding movement along the curtain rod, which curtain was at the same time neat, attractive and artistic.

It has heretofore been the universal practice in constructing such shower curtains to insert a plurality of grommets in the upper edge or hem of the curtain at points spaced along the edge of the curtain such as the maker thought to be.

proper. Such grommets, being metal, are unsatisfactory in themselves, especially when used in high grade curtains, where they detract from the otherwise artistic appearance of the curtains, Frequently they rust with use, causing rusty, unsightly streaks on the curtain, and also they permit only of limited, fixed points of suspension of the curtain from the pole or rod, which in a number of installations causes improper arrangement of the folds of the curtain, and causes such improper folds and unsightly hanging of the curtain in all installations unless unusual care is taken to properly arrange the curtain when it is pushed back,

Various ways have been devised to hide these unsightly grommets, such as by providing upstanding ruffles along the upper hem of the curtain, but these rufiies fall down and assume irree gular shapes and become unsatisfactory in themselves, without in any way overcoming the disadvantages of the limited fixedpoints of suspension and the probability of rusting grommets with the attendant discoloration of the curtain.

The object of the present invention is to provide a shower curtain which completely dispenses with the use of grommets and their disadvantages and provides an artistic, practical curtain embodying means for attaching supporting hangers thereto, which means also serves as a decorative feature of the curtain and provides for an unlimited variation in the number and placement of the connections of the hangers to the curtain, resulting in the insurance of proper and artistic hanging of the curtain. Said means also serves as a reinforcement of the upper edge or hem of the curtain, preventing buckling under the weight of the suspended curtain.

With these and other objects in view, as may appear from the accompanying specification, the invention consists of various features of construction and combination of parts, which will be first described in connection with the accompanying drawings, showing a shower curtain of the preferred form embodying the invention, and the features forming the invention will be specifically pointed out in the claims.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a fragmentary view of a shower curtain constructed in accordance with the present invention, showing the manner of suspending it.

Figure 2 is a fragmentary view of a curtain having parts broken away to illustrate the manner of connecting the decorative, reinforcing,

hanger attaching structure to the curtain.

Fig. 3 is a cross-section taken on the line 3-3 of Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a detail illustration of the decorative, reinforcing, hanger engaging tape used with the curtain.

Figure 5 is an enlarged detail of the tape.

Figure 6 is a fragmentary view of a shower curtain showing a modified form of the invention.

Figure 7 is a fragmentary view of a further modified form of the invention.

Figure 8 is a fragmentary side elevation, with parts broken away, of a further modified form of the invention.

Figure 9 is a fragmentary side elevation of the decorative hanger loop forming edging, as shown in Figure 8.

Figure 10 is a fragmentary view of a shower curtain showing a still further modified form of the invention,

Figure 11 is a view in section through a clip embodied in the modified form shown in Figure 10, taken approximately on the line ll-il of Fig. 10.

, Referring more particularly to the preferred form of the invention shown in Figures 1 to 5 inclusive of the drawings i0 indicates the curtain body, which may be made of any suitable water repellent fabric to provide any desired artistic appearance and design. Various types of fabrics are used for this purpose, all being water repellent, and the curtain bodies being of considerable size causes the curtains to be relatively heavy. It is also necessary that the curtains may be slidden along their supporting rods, such as shown in Figure 1, at l I, so as to enclose the tub or shower, or to open it. In consideration of this feature, and

2 i i of the weight of the curtain, a number of points of suspension are required for-the curtain.

fksv above stated, it has heretofore been the practice themselves unsightly, and they provide un-' sightly and undesirable connections. with the curtain hangers l2, resulting in buckling of the upper edge or the curtain as well as causing the curtain to hang in improper and unsightly i'olds in that they permit only limited points of suspension, while different installations require different points and different numbers of points of suspension to obtain the best appearance.

The present invention provides an unlimited variation in the positioning of the points of suspension of the curtain |l upon the hangers l1, and atthe same time not only eliminates the unsightly grommets, but provides an artistic edging for the upper hem or edge of the curtain.

A reinforcing tapel4, shown in detail in Figures 4 and 6 of the drawings, is provided.

curtain overmuch and without interfering with the flexibility of the curtain. The webbing l5 of the'tape has a cord I6 connected thereto at regularly spaced points along its length, said cord being doubled in and through certain of the interlocking stitches ll of the upper edge of the web body l5 of the tape (as is clearly shown in Figure 5 of the drawings). In order to provide a firm and secure connection between the cord i3 and the tape I4, and also to provide a plurality of regular loops along the upper edge of the tape, all of uniform size, each has its points of connection to the tape at longitudinally evenly spaced points along the length of the tape. and consequently along the upper edge or hem of the curtain bodylli. These loops provide a decorative fringe along the upper edge of the curtain body l0 and also provide loops for the attachment of the hangers I! to the curtain body l0. By making these loops l8 relatively small, and of the propersize to add to the ap- I pearance of the curtain, practically an unlimited number of relative positions of connection between the hangers I! and the curtain body l0 may be provided and the hangers may be spaced at practically any desired points along the length of the curtain, without being limited to specific points of connection, as when grommets are used.

In constructing the curtain the top edge of the curtain is folded over, as shown at H, and the reinforcing tape is placed flat against this side of the fabric of the curtain body, with its upper edge flush with the upper edge of the fold of the curtain body. A binding strip l8, preferably of the same material as the curtain body I0, is then placed against the outer side or surface of the reinforcing tape l4. The upper edge of this binder strip is folded under, with the edge of the fold flush with the upper edge of the tape H as well as with the upper edge of the fold at the top of the curtain body i0. The lower edge of the binder .strip i8 is folded around the v lower edge of the web I! of the tape l4, lying fiat against the curtain body in, concealing the lower edge or the tape l4. The binder strip i3,

reinforcing tape i4 and the curtain body it are then stitched together along the lower and upper edges of the binding strip I 8, as shown at 20, securely and-firmly attaching the reinforcing, loop carrying tape H to the upper edge of the curtain.

In Figured of the drawings, the top edge of the shower curtain body It is folded over and stitched, as shown at 30, to provide a reinforcement for the upper or top edge of the curtain. A plurality of grommets 3| are attached to this top edge of the curtain W at spaced points. These grommets 3|- are of fabric, and may be attached to the top edge of the shower curtain by stitching. They may be of any desired color, to blend with the color scheme of the shower curtains. A cord 32 is looped through the grommets 3|, to provide a plurality of hanger engaging loops 33, which are engaged by the hangers 34. In the'drawings the hangers 34 are shown as of an artistic type of hanger, made of plastic, which engage over the curtain rod 35, but it is to be un derstood that these hangers form no part of the present invention.

The cord 32 is looped about the grommets, as clearly shown at 38, so that when the loops .33 are free from tension, the connection or engagement between the cord 32 and the various grommets will be loose, permitting adjustment of the size of the individual loops 33. But when the curtain i0 is suspended from the rod 35 by means of the hangers 34, the tension on the cord 32, through its engagement with the' hangers, will cause -a binding of the looped portions 36 with the grommets 3| and prevent the cord from slipping and consequently altering the size of the various loops. The cord 32 may be made of any suitable material, in any suitable color, to blend with the color scheme of the shower curtain. The cord, together with the grommets 3|, forms I a decorative top edging for the shower curtain The modified form shown in Figure 7 of the drawings is quitesimila'r to that shown in Figure 6, differing therefrom only in the fact that the fabric grommets 3| are inserted in the foldedover, reinforcing top end or hem 31 of the shower curtain I0, rather than being attached or connected' to the top edge of the shower curtain. The cord 32' is passed through the grommets 3| and looped therethrough, as shown at 36, so as to permit adjustment of the size of the loops 33' when such loops are free from tension resulting from the supported weight of the shower curtain i0. These loops 36', when the weight of the shower curtain is carried by them, bind tightly on the grommets 3| and prevent slippage of the cord 32'.

In Figures 8 and 9 of the drawings, the same principle of the looped cord for permitting adjustment of the size of the individual loops is employed, but there is provided a different manner of attaching the cord to the shower curtain.

The cord 40, in this modified form of the invention, as shown at 4| is looped at spaced points around and over a cord or upper section 42 of the reinforcing, connecting member 43. her 43 may be in the form of a web tape, similar to the tape l5 shown in Figures 1 to 5 inclusive, or it may be a series of parallel, extensive cords 42 and 44, connected at spaced points by vertical connecting elements 45. The connecting member 43 is placed against one side of the top edge or hemiof the shower curtain 46, and a covering or binding strip 41 is placed over the outer exposed side of the member 43. The cover trip 41 The memis stitched to the curtain 45, as indicated at 48,

er engaging loop may be adjusted, if'desired,

when such loops I! are free from tension occasioned by suspension of the weight of the curtain ii. The cord 40 may be of any suitable material and color, according to the shower curtain upon which it is used. As in all of the other forms of the invention, it will be apparent that this method of providing means for suspending'the shower curtain from a curtain rod provide a decorative edging for the top edge of the curtain.

Figures 10 and 11 depart slightly from the various other forms of the invention shown, but are generally related to all of the other forms in that a cord is employed for providing the hanger engaging loops for supporting the shower curtain.

In this form, however, a reinforcing cord 50 is inserted through a hem formed along the upper edge of the shower curtain 52. Thecord 53 forming the hanger engaging loops 54 is connected to the top edge of shower curtain by means of a plurality of resilient clips 55. The clips 55 are preferably made of plastic, and when used with the plastic hangers 34 may b of the same color, providing an attractive appearance. The clips 55 are shaped so as to firmly grip the cord 53 and the hem 5|, but providing sufiicient freedom to permit adjustment of the cord 53 to vary the size of the loops 54. The ends of the cord 53 are attached to the shower curtain at its edges in any suitable manner.

In all of the various forms of the invention, a cord is employed, which is connected at spaced points along the upper edge of the shower curtain to provide loops for engagement with any suitable type of curtain hanger, and these cords are embodied in the general organism of the shower curtain in such manner as to provide an artistic, decorative edging for the top hem of the shower curtain.

It will be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific construction or arrangement of parts shown, but that they may be widely modified within the claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In a shower curtain, a curtain body, a reinforcing member along the upper edge of said body against one side of the body, a binding strip over the side of the reinforcing member away from the curtain body, said reinforcing member and binding strip being stitched together and to said curtain body, a plurality of open loops along the upper edge of the reinforcing member and extending beyond the edge of the curtain body, each loop having its two points of connection with the reinforcing member spaced longitudinally along the-edge of the curtain body-to form a decorative edging for the curtain top and also to provide for the connection of supporting hangers to the curtain,

2. In a shower curtain, a curtain body, reinforcing means along the upper edge of said body against one side of the body, a binding strip over the side of the reinforcing means away from the curtain body, said reinforcing means and binding strip being stitched together to said curtain body along both their upper and lower edges, a plurality of open loops along the upper edge of the the invention defined by r' reinforcing means and extending beyond the edge of the curtain body, each loop having its two points of connection with the reinforcing means spaced longitudinally along the edge of the curtain body to form a decorative edging for the curtain top and also to provide for the connection of supporting hangers to the curtain, said binding strip having its lower edge intumed to engage against the curtain body and enclose the lower edge of the reinforcing means.

3. In a shower curtain, a curtain body, a

hanger loop forming member connected to the upper edge of the curtain body at a plurality of spaced points to form a plurality of loops along the top edge of the curtain body, said member being adjustably connected to said curtain body by slidable frictional engagement so that when the loops are relieved of tension the connections may be adjusted to vary the size of the individual loops and when under tension will securely bind to support the curtain and prevent slippage of the member relative to the curtain.

4 In a shower curtain, a curtain body, a decorative edging along the top edge of the curtain body and comprising a cord connected to the curtain at spaced points along its length to provide hanger engaging loops, the two points of connection of each loop with the curtain body being spaced longitudinally along the upper edge of the curtain body and adjustably connected thereto by slidable frictional engagement so that when the loops are relieved of tension the connections may be adjusted to vary the size of the individual loops and when under tension will securely bind to prevent slippage of the cord relative to the curtain.

5. In a shower curtain, a curtain body, a decorative edging along the top edge of the curtain and comprising a cord, means'carried by the top edge of the curtain body to facilitate connection of the cord to the curtain body, said cord bein adjustably connected to said means by slidable engagement to form a plurality of loops along the top edge of the curtain body and so that when the loops are relieved of tension the connections may be adjusted to vary the size of the individual loops and when under tension will securely bind to prevent slippage of the cord relative to the curtain.

6. In a shower curtain, a curtain body, a decorative edging along the top edge of the curtain and comprising a cord, means carried by the top edge of the curtain body to facilitate connection,

. looped completely around portions of said connection means to provide a plurality of longitudinally spaced hanger engaging loops along the top edge of the curtain body.

7. In a shower curtain, a curtain body, a decorative edging along the top edge of the curtain comprising a plurality of. fabric grommets carried by the curtain body at its top edge and at spaced points therealong, and a cord connected to said grommets to provide a plurality of hanger engaging loops along the top edge of the curtain body, said cord being looped through said grommets in slidable frictional engagement with the grommets so as to permit adjustment of the size of the individual loops when the cord is free from tension and to securely bind against the grommets when the cord is under tension oceasioned by the weight of the supported curtain.

8. In a shower curtain, a curtain body. a reinforcing member along the upper edge of said body,'a cord looped through the upper edge of said reinforcing member and forming a plurality of loops etxending beyond the edge of the-curtain body, said loops being spaced from each other a distance substantially equal to the size of the loopsto provide a decorative scalloped appearing edge along the top of the curtain body.

9. In a shower curtain, a curtain body, a reinforcing member attached along the upper edge of said body, a cord sinuously bent to form :a

plurality of loops all of substantially uniform size, said loops alternately extending outwardly from and inwardly to the edge of the curtain body, said inwardly extending loops being rigidly connected at their apices to said reinforcing member to maintain the decorative edging efl'ect of the loops at all times. 1

NATHANIEL GAINES. 

